Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 31/05) - Yellowknife has nearly recovered from a summer exodus of physicians, according to the department of Health and Social Services.

In May, health officials said eight of Yellowknife's 28 general physicians, as well as three of 18 specialists had resigned.

The department has signed contracts with five GPs and will fill the other three positions with locums, or temporary doctors, said assistant deputy minister Sylvia Haener. As for the 24 specialist positions, seven remain vacant. "My sense is that we're no worse off (than before)," said Haener.

Starting in April 2006, a new GP in Yellowknife with limited experience will earn up to $185,000 per year.

In Yellowknife, doctors are salaried employees of the government, instead of independent practitioners paid for each service provided.

Recruitment for all professions is difficult in the North, she said. "Most other jurisdictions are facing the same challenges that we face in terms of recruiting physicians."